Skip to main content

RDP Welcomes Jody Wilson-Raybould to Speak with the Community

Oct 10, 2024
Jody Wilson Raybould

As part of its popular Perspectives: Canada in the World speaker series, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) is excited to welcome the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould. She will speak at a public event on October 23 at Westerner Park.  

As a former Member of Parliament, former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Wilson-Raybould will discuss Being an Agent of Change and the Nature of Integrity, sharing valuable insights about creating meaningful change and fostering ethical environments.

Wilson-Raybould will share her experiences and transformative journey in Canadian politics. She will explore the fundamental changes needed in our political culture and inspire audience members to advocate for change.  

“This is a marquee event in the Red Deer Polytechnic calendar and for the region,” says Dr. Jonathon Penny, Dean, School of Arts and Education. “We are excited that on the heels of a very successful event in January, the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould will come to Red Deer to share her perspective, wisdom and advice on how we can broker positive change with integrity.”  

For more than two decades, RDP has provided opportunities for students, faculty, staff and community members to engage with impactful, national speakers who have included Margaret Atwood, Amanda Lindhout and most recently, Chris Hadfield, in January.

“Since 2002, Perspectives has brought important Canadian cultural and political figures and thought leaders to Red Deer who are timely, often inspiring, sometimes controversial and always provocative,” says Dr. Penny. “Perspectives is the initiative of dedicated faculty in RDP’s School of Arts and Education. The speaker series is an important adjunct to our degrees in Multidisciplinary Studies and Psychology, as well as our University Arts Diploma. These programs prepare students not only with intellectual development, but they have deep social, cultural and economic impact.”

As an accomplished author, Wilson-Raybould has published three books: From Where I Stand: Rebuilding Indigenous Nations for a Stronger Canada, ‘Indian’ in the Cabinet and True Reconciliation. Her fourth book Reconciling History: A Story of Canada is expected to be released near the end of October 2024.  

Perspectives: Canada in the World is a component of the Polytechnic’s Homecoming (October 21-26), which also includes Palate: A Taste of Local, Philosopher’s Café and RDP Basketball, Hockey and Volleyball games at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.  

Proceeds from Perspectives: Canada in the World will support future Perspectives events, as well as scholarship funds for RDP students.  

See more information about Perspectives: Canada in the World, including tickets

View more details about Homecoming

Media Inquiries

Communications Team

Phone: 403.342.3389

Email Us

Related News

RDP announces Timothy Caulfield as speaker for Perspectives series
Red Deer Polytechnic is set to host Perspectives series
Red Deer Polytechnic is excited to host Perspectives: Canada in the World, featuring Timothy Caulfield, author and Professor of Health Law & Science Policy at the University of Alberta, on January 26, 2023. Professor Caulfield, who is also Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the U of A, has published more than 350 articles and book chapters about a range of compelling health topics. These topics have included stem cells, research ethics, health policy issues, and myths and assumptions in health. “After a pandemic-enforced hiatus, we are thrilled to bring back Perspectives: Canada in the World, one of the premier public outreach events at Red Deer Polytechnic,” says Dr. Jeff Wigelsworth, History Instructor and Chair of the Perspectives Committee. “Perspectives is an opportunity for the Red Deer and central Alberta communities to hear world-renowned speakers address timely topics that are of interest to all Albertans. Past speakers at Perspectives have included Margaret Atwood, Murray Sinclair, Amanda Lindhout, Roméo Dallaire, and many other notable Canadians.” At Perspectives: Canada in the World, Caulfield will explore decisions that individuals are faced with daily. These decisions are influenced by beliefs, which can be misperceptions and cause unnecessary stress, lost time and money
Chris Hadfield talking with attendee at Perspectives student session
RDP welcomes Chris Hadfield
Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) proudly hosted Canadian icon Chris Hadfield as the 30th speaker of its prestigious Perspectives: Canada in the World speaker series. The sold-out event marked the first signature event celebrating RDP’s 60th Anniversary. “ Perspectives: Canada in the World provides us an opportunity to encourage dialogue within RDP and the community about current events and the world around us,” says Dr. Jeff Wigelsworth, History Instructor and Chair of RDP’s Perspectives: Canada in the World Organizing Committee. “Through Perspectives, Colonel Hadfield shared his unique experiences and expertise, sparking intellectual curiosity and complementing programming at Red Deer Polytechnic.” Hadfield drew from his experience as a pilot, astronaut and as the First Canadian Commander of the International Space Station to explain how to best prepare for the unexpected and manage through complexity and change. “Having the opportunity to listen to, and learn from, someone as highly regarded as Colonel Hadfield is inspiring,” says Jalynn Chilibeck Vice President External, Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic. “It is not every day that we can meet someone who has gone to the most dangerous place that humans can reach, doing something that very few others have done. Colonel Hadfield is proof that following